Mr. Speaker, I would like to respond to the speech by my hon. colleague and to ask him a question.
I always react to categorical remarks and to accusations that the Bloc Quebecois is living in the past. I believe we live in the present, but we do not share the current government's concept of what the present is. Allow me to explain.
Up to this date, close to $16 billion have been collected in indirect taxes. I call them indirect taxes because Canadians and Quebeckers pay provincial income tax, federal income tax, and both provincial and federal sales taxes, and then on their weekly paycheque another indirect tax is deducted, which adds up to $7 billion or $8 billion each year.
In my opinion consumers have had it with government taxes, and this one is an indirect tax. There is not even any provision for it in the government's books. It is sneakily collected from all workers and all employers, and it is years since this government has contributed to the fund. Now it has taken upon itself to set the contribution rate as it pleases and to adjust this indirect tax to pay down its deficit.
Perhaps my colleague could answer the following. What is his answer to the voters in his riding when they say they are tired of paying taxes, taxes and more taxes, income and otherwise, and now just one more? What is his answer to this, particularly when we have already been told that in this government's employment enhancement measures a 10 cent reduction per $100 represents the creation of 30,000 jobs?
This is not true, according to the way we see things. People are having problems with employment insurance, which is an indirect tax on people. What is his answer to his constituents?